Simple SONA for 'spontaneous' Duterte: Brillante Mendoza

Trishia Billones, ABS-CBN News

Multi-awarded film director Brillante Mendoza, who has been tapped to direct President Rodrigo Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA), has vowed to show the real Rody in the much-awaited program.

Mendoza said he would like to highlight Duterte's spontaneity and frankness.

"I’d like to capture the spontaneity. I think that’s what makes the person real. And him as the President, if you capture those moments, I think it will endear him to the people," he said.

It's Duterte's genuine personality that would be nice to play around with, even if it meant embracing profanities that the tough-talking mayor usually sprinkles his speeches with.

"Siguro wala namang masama na itago ‘yun. I think I will still show it because that’s his personality. I’m not gonna do something that would hide ‘yung pagiging real so I think that’s the point. Hindi natin siya itatago. Hindi natin siya lalagyan ng hindi sino siya," he said.

Mendoza's latest movie, Ma'Rosa, was critically acclaimed in the Cannes Film Festival, with actress Jaclyn Jose bagging the Best Actress award.

He said, like most of his films, he will make do with what is available, but will focus more on the content. He said Duterte's first SONA will present a president who can connect with the people and communicate with them.

"It’s different when you just talk and you just deliver your speech. It’s different when you communicated to the people and you make sure that the people understood you from the heart.”